“A Concert without Monotony” - An Analysis of the Language Used in Rain by Francis Ponge
Rain
By Francis Ponge
Translated By Joshua Corey & Jean-Luc Garneau
The rain, in the backyard where I watch it fall, comes down at different rates. In the center a fine discontinuous curtain — or network — falls implacably and yet gently in drops that are probably quite light; a strengthless sempiternal precipitation, an intense fraction of the atmosphere at its purest. A little distance from the walls to the right and left plunk heavier drops, one by one. Here they seem about the size of grains of wheat, the size of a pea, while elsewhere they are big as marbles. Along gutters and window frames the rain runs horizontally, while depending from the same obstacles it hangs like individually wrapped candies. Along the entire surface of a little zinc roof under my eyes it trickles in a very thin sheet, a moiré pattern formed by the varying currents created by the imperceptible bumps and undulations of the surface. From the gutter it flows with the restraint of a shallow creek until it tumbles out into a perfectly vertical net, rather imperfectly braided, all the way to the ground where it breaks and sparkles into brilliant needles.
Each of its forms has its particular allure and corresponds to a particular patter. Together they share the intensity of a complex mechanism as precise as it is dangerous, like a steam-powered clock whose spring is wound by the force of the precipitation.
The ringing on the ground of the vertical trickles, the glug-glug of the gutters, the miniscule strikes of the gong multiply and resonate all at once in a concert without monotony, and not without a certain delicacy.
Once the spring unwinds itself certain wheels go on turning for a while, more and more slowly, until the whole mechanism comes to a stop. It all vanishes with the sun: when it finally reappears, the brilliant apparatus evaporates. It has rained.
Ponge, Francis. “Rain.” Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/89711/rain-5762f2f9a12fd. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
Analysis:
What emotions does the rain make you feel? In “Rain” by Francis Ponge, the poet uses vivid language and descriptions to make the universal experience of watching rain fall come to life and evoke emotion in the readers. Ponge describes the pattern and characteristics of the rain in his backyard, as it streamed along the gutters and windows and how it disappeared as the sun shone. The poem conveys the alluring and gentle behavior of rain and its movements, but may be connected back to the importance of noticing small details and pausing during everyday life.
The poet focuses on setting the scene by describing his backyard as the rain dripped along the buildings. The imagery used brings the poem to life and allows the reader to be in the shoes of Ponge and live this experience as he did. “Along gutters and window frames the rain runs horizontally, while depending from the same obstacles it hangs like individually wrapped candies”. The use of the words obstacles and candies provide a playful tone, reminiscent of childhood and creates a certain appeal. These words make the poem more lighthearted and easier to connect to, as everyone has experienced being a child. Additionally, the poet describes “The ringing on the ground of the vertical trickles, the glug-glug of the gutters”, using words to describe the sounds of what he hears, encouraging the readers to engage with other senses. Ponge’s word choice for imagery allows the reader to connect and feel this experience.
Ponge’s tone is uplifting and passionate throughout the poem. He describes the rain in new ways and uses it to create a calming feeling in the readers, with thoughtful ideas and a love for the topic. He describes, “rather imperfectly braided, all the way to the ground where it breaks and sparkles into brilliant needles.” His word choices in their own way tell a story. The emotion and thoughtfulness put into the words convey an uplifting and inspirational tone, showing uniqueness. The tone helps the reader understand important ideas and an underlying message that may be interpreted from the poet’s perspective.
Ponge used simple words to convey a deeper meaning in his poem. His use of common language allows readers to connect through its simplicity. He describes the droplets as “big as marbles,” providing readers with a visual about the size of rain droplets, and how the clear and shiny surface of a marble may be similar to that of a raindrop. He additionally describes the rain’s form “like a steam-powered clock,” conveying how intricate the rain is. The poet uses a contradictory phrase, “tumbles out into a perfectly vertical net, rather imperfectly braided.” The use of both perfectly and imperfectly allows the reader to consider and interpret this scene. As the water rushes along the gutter it’s uniform, but once it starts pouring out, overlaps can be noticed, possibly connecting to the idea that one may never really see a person for who they are unless they look deeper, beyond external appearances. Lastly, he also describes the rain “in a concert without monotony,” describing the beauty in nature and how unique this scene is. By noticing every droplet, Ponge’s word choices convey his simplistic writing style and the underlying meaning and themes that may be interpreted throughout his poem. Although it may seem like he’s only describing rain, reader’s analyze the structures and creatively find new ideas.
Ponge conveys a deeper meaning and connection to life through his magical and descriptive poem about rain falling in his backyard. He used strategic word choices that connect with readers, and also provided them with the opportunity to interpret his poem in new ways. This poem provides connections to experiences in life, and our understanding of people and events that we may come across.